Jennifer W. (GeniusJen) reviewed Storyteller: The Authorized Biography of Roald Dahl on + 5322 more book reviews
Reviewed by Theresa L. Stowell for TeensReadToo.com
Anyone who has loved Roald Dahl's quirky voice in books like CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, THE BFG, or THE WITCHES will enjoy this biography of the classic children's author. Sturrock captures Dahl's life from childhood through war service to his romantic liaisons and his brilliant literary career. This biography uses sources that have not been previously accessed, and as a result, the volume is richer, fuller, and more comprehensive than other works on the author.
Sturrock walks alongside Dahl and shares the stories of this beloved author, deftly drawing readers into Dahl's life. One aspect of the biography that will capture attention and surprise some readers is how tragic some portions of Dahl's life were.
For example, he was only three years old when his seven-year-old sister, Astri, died; as she was their father's favorite, Dahl's father was devastated by her death and gave up on life. Ironically, Dahl's losses continued into his adulthood, culminating in his own seven-year-old daughter's death.
Other readers will eagerly read about Dahl's romances with famous women like Elizabeth Arden, the Marchioness of Huntley, and actress Patricia Neal, whom he married.
As authorized biographer, Sturrock is able to tell the tale of Dahl's life as well as share his own experiences with the author without becoming overly sentimental or judgmental about this dominant personality. The book will hold the attention of readers as it provides the fascinating, heartbreaking, and just plain interesting details of Dahl's life. This biography is an important addition to any library.
Anyone who has loved Roald Dahl's quirky voice in books like CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, THE BFG, or THE WITCHES will enjoy this biography of the classic children's author. Sturrock captures Dahl's life from childhood through war service to his romantic liaisons and his brilliant literary career. This biography uses sources that have not been previously accessed, and as a result, the volume is richer, fuller, and more comprehensive than other works on the author.
Sturrock walks alongside Dahl and shares the stories of this beloved author, deftly drawing readers into Dahl's life. One aspect of the biography that will capture attention and surprise some readers is how tragic some portions of Dahl's life were.
For example, he was only three years old when his seven-year-old sister, Astri, died; as she was their father's favorite, Dahl's father was devastated by her death and gave up on life. Ironically, Dahl's losses continued into his adulthood, culminating in his own seven-year-old daughter's death.
Other readers will eagerly read about Dahl's romances with famous women like Elizabeth Arden, the Marchioness of Huntley, and actress Patricia Neal, whom he married.
As authorized biographer, Sturrock is able to tell the tale of Dahl's life as well as share his own experiences with the author without becoming overly sentimental or judgmental about this dominant personality. The book will hold the attention of readers as it provides the fascinating, heartbreaking, and just plain interesting details of Dahl's life. This biography is an important addition to any library.
